The first phase of the renovation of the Terra Santa School of Jerusalem has begun.

01/03/2018

The first phase of the renovation of the Terra Santa School of Jerusalem has begun. The project, the result of collaboration between the European Union and the Custody of the Holy Land, began in 2017 and is estimated to conclude in three years.

There is still a lot of work to do to conclude the first phase of the restoration of the Terra Santa School, in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Lana Rabadi Engineer "This project started in January 2017 and it will last three years. Its objective is to renovate and to restructure the school and - God willing - to set up new facilities for the next three years. In addition to the renovation work, the project aims to contribute to the development of skills for teachers and students.”

Even the children are getting ready for the big day.

Ahmad Ashraf Totah Student "Currently, we are setting up a scientific exhibition at the school and we are getting ready to receive our guests. As you can see, we have a section for cells and other things; one for chemistry, and one for math and physics, and here's the biology section.”

Mohammed Salameh Student "I am Mohammed Salameh and he is my colleague Mahmoud Abu Qadous. We will carry out an experiment to filter the dirty water in order to obtain clean water that will be useful for irrigation.”

The authorities who attended the Inauguration were the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Francesco Patton, the Italian Consul General in Jerusalem, Fabio Sokolovic and representatives of the Ministry of Education.

Lana Rabadi Engineer "We built an entrance that offers teachers a place to meet parents and students. We also completed the renovation of the library. We created a Technology Lab, a Resource Room and a Children Education Center. We were also able to make improvements to the theater and to the first floor.”

In addition to enjoying the scientific exhibition, those present had the opportunity to take part in cultural and artistic activities and to take a tour of the restored environments.

Br. IBRAHIM FALTAS, ofm Head of Schools – Custody of the Holy Land "Obviously, restoration work is important, but the most important thing is the collaboration between teachers and students in the preparation of this great project. I believe they managed to offer something beautiful to this Holy City, Jerusalem, in which we find ourselves experiencing difficulties and challenges on a daily basis.”